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College of Charleston suspends all alcohol-related activities for fraternities, sororities

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Updated: 5:47 AM EDT Aug 31, 2016

WCSCSOURCE: WCSC

College of Charleston suspends all alcohol-related activities for fraternities, sororities

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Updated: 5:47 AM EDT Aug 31, 2016

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) —

Officials with the College of Charleston say all alcohol-related social activities for the school's fraternities and sororities are suspended effective immediately.

The Tuesday announcement was made through a letter by CofC President Glenn McConnell who said the decision was made after consulting with student leaders within the Greek life community.

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According to McConnell's letter, the suspension will be lifted after a review of the organizations, and after each chapter member has "successfully completed additional education and training regarding alcohol and substance abuse, associated high-risk behavior and bystander intervention."

"This is not a knee-jerk reaction to an isolated incident, but rather a serious response to a series of dangerous behaviors connected to some members of our fraternities and sororities, ranging from disruptive parties out in the community this month to recent medical transports related to extreme intoxication," McConnell said in the letter.

McConnell said it wasn't just the Greek students who have work to do but the entire college community shares the responsibility of cultivating the type of university "we want to be."

McConnell's full letter is below:

Dear Campus Community:

Earlier today, the College, after consulting with student leaders within the Greek life community, suspended all alcohol-related social activities for its fraternities and sororities effective immediately. The suspension of individual chapters will be lifted once the Division of Student Affairs has conducted a review of the organization and each chapter’s members have successfully completed additional education and training regarding alcohol and substance abuse, associated high-risk behavior and bystander intervention.

This is not a knee-jerk reaction to an isolated incident, but rather a serious response to a series of dangerous behaviors connected to some members of our fraternities and sororities, ranging from disruptive parties out in the community this month to recent medical transports related to extreme intoxication.

Enough is enough. This type of reckless and dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. While we have a robust and comprehensive education and disciplinary conduct process for drug and alcohol abuse, clearly the message is not getting through to all students. At the College, the well-being and safety of our students are the highest priorities. We want our students to have an enriched, well-rounded experience, both academically and socially, but not at the expense of putting themselves and their peers in jeopardy.

As many of you know, I am a product of and advocate for the fraternity and sorority life system. I have consistently told our chapter members that I’ll be their champion, but that I’ll also hold them to a higher standard of civility, integrity and respect. Unfortunately, what I have learned about some of our Greek members recently greatly disappoints me. As we have seen, the behavior of a few can soil the reputation of all.

Let me be clear: It’s not just our Greek students who have work to do. Our entire College community shares in the responsibility for cultivating the type of university we want to be. The College is a family. Together, we – the entire campus – are resolved to make our community better, and we are determined to address this problem here and now.